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Calculating Machines

Direct Multiplication Calculating Machines

The first calculating machines multiplied by repeated addition. To multiple by tens, hundreds, or larger units, one shifted the carriage. From the 1870s, a few inventors proposed machines that could multiply directly – albeit by a single digit at a time. The Frenchman Léon Bollée exhibited such a machine at a world’s fair held in Paris in 1889. Not long thereafter the American George Grant and the Swiss inventor Otto Steiger invented direct multiplication machines. Steiger’s machine would sell successfully as the Millionaire in both Europe and the United States. In the 1830s, Swedish-born inventor Carl Friden introduced a calculating machine on which all of the digits of the multiplier could be entered at once. Automatic multiplication – and automatic division – came to be widely available on calculating machines in the 1950s.

This full-keyboard electric proportional rod calculating machine has an iron and steel frame painted black and 13 columns of plastic keys. Keys are colored according to the size of the digits, not by their place value. A metal rod in back of the keyboard holds four sliding rods that can be used for decimal divisions. At the bottom of each column of keys is a red key that zeros the digit in that column. Moving a lever to the left of the number keys clears the entire keyboard. The keyboard is painted green. Numbers entered on the keys appear in a row of windows under the keyboard that shows 13 number dials.

At the front of the machine, a row of 16 windows shows the result. A row of eight windows shows the dials of the revolution counter, and another row of 16 dials may be used to accumulate totals. A thin metal piece painted black can cover this row. Finger knobs in front of the total windows alter the total and result dials simultaneously. A final set of knobs shows the multiplier in the machine’s automatic direct multiplication (small finger knobs in front of these dials are used to set up the number).

These four rows of dials are on a movable carriage. All five rows of dials have movable decimal markers. The motor for the machine is under the mechanism and behind the carriage. The plug is on the right side. A set of levers on the left of the carriage, near the end of the result windows, releases the carriage. Handles for lifting are on both sides of the machine.

A metal tag on the right of the machine reads: MERCEDES - (/) EUKLID. A metal tag next to the dials of the revolution counter reads: RALPH C. COXHEAD (/) MERCEDES-EUKLID (/) CALCULATING MACHINE (/) NEW YORK CHICAGO. A mark scratched in the base of the machine at the front reads: Property (/) Univ. Mich. A mark at the left front of the machine on the frame for the carriage reads: 9 [. . .]. A mark on the back of the machine reads: Made in Germany.

Ralph C. Coxhead was the American agent for the Mercedes-Euklid during the 1920s. This model sold for $1,225.00 in 1928.

This machine came to the Smithsonian from the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

This key-set electric direct multiplication, non-printing calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely within the case. The ten columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys have nine keys in each column. Painted rods between columns of keys have red, white, and black sides to indicate decimal positions.

A zero (clearance) key is left of the keyboard. Left of it is a crank which may be set between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Right of the keys is a lever which is set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. A row of ten windows in front of the keys shows the number set. These windows are covered with glass and labeled Divisor.

In front of the windows is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the keys (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row shows the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled Dividend and may be set using thumbscrews. Zeroing knobs for both these registers are on the carriage, as well as sliding decimal markers. Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage.

Instructions for operating the machine are on a paper sheet inside the lid, along with a cleaning brush, a screw, and a key. The stand carries an electric motor, with wooden shelves on both sides.

A mark in the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag to the right reads: H.W. EGLI S.A. (/) Calculating Machines (/) ZURICH (Switzerland). A metal tag to the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. Under this tag the serial number mark reads: No 9123. Another mark on the machine reads: BS24326.

For related documentation see MA*319929.03 through MA*319929.07. Compare MA*314579.

The Millionaire with keys for entering numbers was introduced in 1913. According to Ernst Martin, the Millionaire with keys for multiplication was introduced in 1927. This example was used at the U. S. Bureau of Standards and came to be owned by the physicist William F. Meggers.

This full-keyboard, non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with metal handles on each side. The nine columns of color-coded black and white digit keys each have a red clearance key at the bottom. To the right of the keyboard is a red plastic key that clears the entire keyboard; to the left is a red DIS key. Between the columns are metal rods painted green on one side and white on the other to serve as decimal markers. The keyboard is painted green. Above the keyboard nine number dials show a number set up on the keyboard.

Behind the keyboard is a carriage with a 17-dial result register and eight dial revolution counter. Right of the registers are clearance levers. Rods above both registers carry decimal markers. Thumbscrews set up numbers on the result register. A crank at the front of the machine may be intended to move the carriage.

The machine fits closely in a metal base, painted black, that carries the motor. This base has a box at the front with a small window and a lever. On the left it has ten digit keys arranged in four rows. It carries subtraction, addition, and multiplication bars at the front.

The machine is marked on the front right and on the back: MATHEMATON. It is marked on the left of the carriage: ALBERT F. LYONS (/) N.E. DISTRIBUTOR (/) BOSTON-MASS. It is marked on the left of the base: 4680. It is marked on the left: 21164. It is marked on a tag attached to the left : Patented in U.S.A. (/) July 2, 1926. Jan. 19, 1928. (/) June 9, 1927. Jan. 21, 1931. (/) Aug. 9, 1927. Febr.23, 1932. (/) Patented in Germany, Great Britain, France, (/) Italy and other foreign countries. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #252. It is marked on the right side of the carriage: Made in Germany.

On Feb. 23, 1932, August Kottmann took out U.S. patent 1,846,207 for a calculating machine and assigned it to Rheinische Mettallwaaren und Maschinenfabrik Soemmerda Aktiengesellschaft in Soemmerda, Germany. Other dates listed on the machine are not easily associated with U.S. calculating machine patents. A. Kottmann took out U.S. patents relating to calculating machines Sept. 7, 1927, Nov. 1, 1927, and Feb. 10, 1931, which he assigned to Rheinische. H. Schmidt took out a U.S. patent relating to calculating machines May 1, 1928, which he assigned to Rheinische. The dates listed on the tag on the machine may correspond to foreign patents for these inventions.

This example was model #252 in the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.

This key-set direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage fits entirely within the case.

There are ten columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys, with nine keys in each column. Painted rods between columns of keys turn to serve as decimal markers. The zero key is left of the keyboard. Left of these is a crank that may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Immediately to the right of the digit keys is an operating bar. Right of this is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. Ten glass-covered windows in a row in front of the keyboard show the number entered.

Further forward is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row shows the result or the dividend. The result registers may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. Both registers on the carriage have zeroing knobs and sliding decimal markers. The carriage shift button is between these registers, at the left. Both the paper sheet and the brush are missing from inside the lid.

A metal tag screwed to the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag on the right reads: H.W. EGLI SteAmg. (/) Calculating Machines (/) ZURICH (Switzerland). A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. The serial number, stamped on the top left under this tag, is 14382.

Compare MA*333941.

The United States Naval Observatory transferred this machine to the Smithsonian in 1955.

The key-driven Millionaire was introduced in 1913. In 1927, keys were also introduced on some models for use in direct multiplication (these keys are not found on this machine). Egli manufactured Millionaire calculating machines until about 1935, and Morschhauser retired in 1935. The serial number of this machine suggests a late date of manufacture.

Reference:

“W.A. Morschhauser Ex-Official of the Calculating Business Machines Corp.” New York Times, December 5, 1940, p. 25.

By 1939 Friden Calculating Machine Company had introduced a “Supermatic” version of its calculating machine that featured multiplication by direct entry of digits (rather than repeated addition). This is an example of that full-keyboard non-printing electric stepped drum machine. It has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of color-coded gray and blue-green plastic number keys, with a blank green key at the bottom of each column.

Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of function bars and keys. On the left is a register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of 9 white digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide below the two registers on the carriage. The machine has four hard rubber feet. An electric cord attachs to the machine at the back.

A mark on the bottom of the machine reads: S10-105632. A mark on the back and sides reads: FRIDEN. A sticker attached to the bottom reads: MODEL S. It also reads: FRIDEN CALCULATING MACHINE CO., INC. [() MADE IN SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. It also reads: DESIGN PAT. 103,425.

Design patent D103,425 was granted to Carl M. Friden March 2, 1937. According to Carl Holm of Neopost, the model S 10 was introduced in 1938. The date given is from Jorgenson.

Friden Calculating Machine Company produced its “Supermatic Tabulating” model from about 1940 through 1949. This full-keyboard, non-printing electric stepped drum calculating machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of light green and dark green plastic number keys, with a blank key at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of blue function bars and keys. On the left is a nine-digit register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine light green digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register as well. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide between the registers on the carriage.

Streamlines decorate the back and the bottom corners. A mark inside an opening on the bottom reads: ST10-160099. The sides are marked: FRIDEN.

The machine has a plastic cover.

Compare 1984.3079.01, 1984.3079.02, 1984.3079.03, and MA*335421.

Date from Jorgenson.

This is one of five Friden calculating machines given to the Smithsonian by Vincent L. Corrado (1917-1984), a native of Covington, Kentucky, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at Catholic University, served in the United States Army from 1942 through 1973, and then joined the Veterans Administration for the rest of his life.

Friden Calculating Machine Company produced its “Supermatic Tabulating” model from about 1940 through 1949. This full-keyboard, non-printing electric stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of light green and blue-green plastic number keys. A blank green plastic zeroing key is at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of function keys.

On the left is a ten-digit register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine light green digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by four function keys.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has dark green plastic buttons above it that rotate to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register, spaced between the digits. Zeroing knobs for these registers are on the top right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide on bars between the two registers on the carriage.

A mark on the sides and back of the machine reads: FRIDEN. A paper tag on the bottom of the machine, which also includes address and patent numbers, reads: MODEL-ST. A window at the front of the bottom shows the serial number: ST10-157950.

The machine has a rubber-covered cord

The date was given by the donor, who said that the initial price was $550.

This full-keyboard electric stepped drum calculating machine is non-printing. It has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of color-coded light-green and blue-green plastic number keys, with a blank green clearance key at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to serve as decimal markers.

On the right are two columns of function bars. To the right of these is another column of blue-green keys, with another green clearance key at the bottom. Pushing these keys allows direct multiplication by a single digit. Friden had introduced this feature in its Model F calculating machine. The model FT, of which this is an example, featured division tabulation as well. The company also sold calculating machines in which multiplication by several-digit numbers could occur automatically (see descriptions of the model S 10).

The movable carriage behind the number keys has an 11-digit multiplier register and a 20-digit result register, both with sliding decimal markers. Plastic buttons above the result register rotate to set up dividends. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. The machine has four rubber feet.

The serial number, marked on the bottom of the machine is: FT10-79740. The side and back are marked: FRIDEN. A sticker on the bottom reads: MODEL FT. It also reads: FRIDEN CALCULATING MACHINE CO., INC. (/) MADE IN SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.. It has the patent numbers: 2,273,857, 2,229,901, and D-103,425.

Friden Calculating Machine Company produced its “Supermatic Tabulating” model from about 1940 through 1949. This full-keyboard non-printing electric stepped drum calculating machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of light green and dark green plastic number keys, with a blank key at the bottom of each column. Columns of keys are colored in groups of three. Metal rods between the columns turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of blue function bars and keys.

A nine-digit register on the left indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine light green digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys. The machine is decorated with streamlines around the corners. It has four rubber feet.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide on bars between the registers on the carriage.

A mark inside an opening on the bottom reads: ST10-169028. The sides are marked: FRIDEN. A cord marked “MONROE” was received with the machine.

Compare 1984.3079.01, 1984.3079.02, 1984.3079.03, and MA*335421.

Date from Jorgenson.

This is one of five Friden calculating machines given to the Smithsonian by Vincent L. Corrado (1917-1984), a native of Covington, Kentucky, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at Catholic University, served in the U.S. Army from 1942 through 1973, and then joined the Veterans Administration (now named the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) for the rest of his life.

Friden Calculating Machine Company produced its “Supermatic Tabulating” model from about 1940 through 1949. This full-keyboard, non-printing electric stepped drum calculating machine has a gray metal frame. The ten columns of light green and dark green plastic number keys each have a blank key at the bottom. They are colored in groups of three columns. Metal rods between the columns turn to indicate decimal places.

On the right are two columns of blue function bars and keys, including a key for division tabulation. This key is not found on the model S. On the left is a nine-digit register that indicates numbers entered for direct multiplication. Below it is a block of nine light green digit keys, with a 0 bar below, for entering the multiplier. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys.

Behind is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it used to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register. Zeroing knobs for these registers are right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide on bars between the registers on the carriage. The cover has streamlines on the back and at the bottom corners. The machine has four rubber feet and a cord.

A mark on the sides reads: FRIDEN. A mark inside an opening on the bottom reads: ST10-192804. A mark on the cord reads: MONROE.

Compare 1984.3079.01, 1984.3079.02, 1984.3079.03, and MA*335421.

This is one of five Friden calculating machines given to the Smithsonian by Vincent L. Corrado (1917-1984), a native of Covington, Kentucky, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at Catholic University, served in the U.S. Army from 1942 through 1973, and then joined the Veterans Administration for the rest of his life.